Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a record of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When hair is taken close to the scalp, it can indicate drug use over as much as a 3-month span. Collecting hair is straightforward, less susceptible to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation analyses. For EtG, additions, or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair cannot be sourced, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair refers to all other types of hair (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is initially introduced into a laboratory’s system, involving verification of proper sealing and shipping, assignment of a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of any additional data entry not electronically recorded in the chain of custody.
Screening consists of a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage in many samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples with a presumptive positive result during Screening demand further confirmation.
In the event a sample yields a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is utilized from the initial batch and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are pulled from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most complex methods to execute.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair identification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", this test focuses on analyzing the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Ponderosa Pines, MT clearly outshines urine testing due to its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Hair tests not only uncover drug use over a more extended period, but they also ensure high accuracy, minimizing false results. This method provides a comprehensive view, benefiting both employers with strict drug policies and those on legal probation.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Ponderosa Pines, MT is its extended detection window. This method can reveal drug use as far back as 90 days, offering employers a thorough understanding of an employee's or candidate's substance use history. Such insights are crucial for informed decision-making regarding hiring and retention.
Hair follicle testing in Ponderosa Pines, MT stands out for its robustness against tampering. This method significantly reduces the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring the trustworthiness of the results. It's a favored choice for scenarios demanding unquestionable proof of substance use history.
With convenient testing centers throughout the nation and local availability in Ponderosa Pines, MT, getting tested is hassle-free. These centers ensure quick access to hair follicle testing services, facilitating easy and stress-free procedures for individuals and organizations alike.
In Ponderosa Pines, MT, our hair follicle testing service promises a straightforward, confidential process. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed with privacy and simplicity in mind, addressing any concerns about personal data security and making the procedure easy to navigate.
With our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Ponderosa Pines, MT, hair follicle testing is both budget-friendly and efficient. This combination of affordability and rapid results ensures great value, providing peace of mind for businesses of all sizes.
In Ponderosa Pines, MT, hair follicle tests offer rapid, precise results, making them a choice method for substance testing. Known for their reliability, these tests efficiently pinpoint drug and alcohol use with high accuracy, giving individuals and employers confidence in the results of the screening process.
For businesses in Ponderosa Pines, MT, hair follicle testing provides a way to meet drug-free workplace requirements. This reliable method supports compliance with legal and safety standards, reducing potential liabilities and contributing to workplace safety, offering peace of mind to employers.
